Army able enough to protect country’s sovereignty and integrity: General Singh

The government is totally committed towards ensuring that the needs of the Army are met and the force is “fully geared” up to take on the challenges, outgoing Army Chief General Bikram Singh said on Friday.

“As Chief of Army Staff, I want to assure you that your Army is stationed at the border and has the ability to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country,” he said.

The Army Chief is in Drass in Jammu and Kashmir to take part in the 15th anniversary of Kargil War Vijay Diwas.

“As you know that I am hanging my boots on July 31 and I thought what better way of saying goodbye to the profession than coming here and laying a wreath,” he said.

When asked if things have changed in terms of deficiencies in the Army since Kargil War he said, “Yes, things have changed. Let me tell you all the Armies have deficiencies. It is not only that the Indian Army has deficiencies.”

“But things are being made up. The present government is totally committed towards ensuring that our needs are met. Our deficiencies are met. So let me assure you that your army is fully geared to take on the challenges. I personally guarantee you that,” he said.

Replying to a question, Gen Singh said the life of a soldier has improved since the Kargil incursions took place in 1999.

“It has improved by leaps and bounds in a very distinct manner,” he said.

On ceasefire violations by Pakistan, the Army Chief said, “As you very well know that this kind of firing has been on and this thing has been happening almost every month and every year, but let me assure you that your soldiers are taking necessary action whenever required.”

Asked about the absence of senior army officers, who were part of Kargil war, from the function on Friday, Gen Singh said, “Look I cannot comment on that. It is possible that they are abroad, they are busy. They might have prior commitments. But let me assure you that each one of those officers has a commitment towards this cause.”

Gen Singh later interacted with war widows present at the function and distributed gifts among them.